Former Germany striker Oliver Bierhoff has warned the current squad not to head into the tournament expecting an easy passage to the final of Euro 2012.
Many pundits have tipped the Germans to battle it out for the trophy with holders Spain.
However, Bierhoff believes that his country will have numerous obstacles placed in the way of their route to the final.
"Spain belong to the big favourites. Everybody talks about Spain and Germany, and how we will meet in the final," Bierhoff told reporters. "I can only advise to remain calm, though. Netherlands are very strong, and France have not lost in the past 20 matches.
"The expectations are incredible in Germany. However, the higher expectations get, the bigger the risk to be disappointed.
"We had a very young team in 2010 and we were without our skipper. We have shown what we are capable of in the games against Holland and Brazil, and during our qualification campaign."
Bierhoff was part of the Germany side that won Euro 1996 in England.
Liam Apicella
